Who Understood The Times
Introduction
This message continues the month’s focus on living uncompromisingly as followers of Christ. The emphasis is that no believer can live an uncompromising life without first being grounded in the true Gospel—the Gospel of the water and the Spirit. Only when a person is born again through Jesus’ baptism, death, and resurrection can the Holy Spirit dwell within and give understanding. The message draws from the wise men who advised King Ahasuerus, the sons of Issachar who understood the times, and Jesus’ own words in Matthew 11 to highlight the importance of recognising the age we live in. The world has become increasingly resistant to God, but God calls His people to discern the times and remain anchored in the Gospel truth of the water and Spirit.
Gospel Truth Is External
The Gospel of the water and the Spirit does not originate from human ideas, intellect, or inner reflections. Humanity is fallen, and no truth can arise from the flesh. Many systems in the world encourage people to “look within” to find enlightenment or truth, but Scripture teaches the opposite: the true Gospel is completely external, revealed by God alone. It is not the product of religion, philosophy, or human wisdom.
The message explains that salvation began with God’s plan, not human effort. Jesus took the sins of the world upon Himself through His baptism by John at the Jordan River, carried them to the cross, died on humanity’s behalf, and rose from the dead. This Gospel was never invented or discovered by people—it was revealed from heaven. No human being, denomination, or scholar can create or modify the Gospel. It stands outside of us, and the only way to receive it is through God’s revelation.
Gospel Truth Is Absolute
The Gospel does not shift with culture, human reasoning, or public opinion. In Matthew 11, Jesus rebuked the cities where He performed mighty miracles because they still refused to repent. Their hardness of heart shows that even when truth is clearly displayed, people can reject it.
God reveals the Gospel not to the proud, but to the humble—to “babes,” as Jesus described. The wise, intellectual, and self-assured of this world often remain blind to the truth because they trust in their own abilities. Only those to whom the Father reveals the Son can know the truth. This makes the Gospel absolute and non-negotiable. It cannot be reshaped to suit modern times, adjusted to avoid offending others, or softened to appear more acceptable. Truth remains truth, and God determines it, not man.
Gospel Truth Is Intolerant
The true Gospel does not tolerate distortion, compromise, or mixture. While believers must love all people, they cannot affirm teachings, lifestyles, or worldviews that contradict Scripture. Jesus and John the Baptist both faced criticism regardless of their approach—John was accused of having a demon, while Jesus was accused of being a glutton and friend of sinners. Their experiences show that truth will always face resistance.
The Gospel clearly confronts sin, unbelief, and false teaching. In a world that increasingly rejects God, believers must remain uncompromising. Believers cannot soften the message, redefine sin, or reshape salvation to avoid offending people. The Gospel demands repentance, faith, and transformation—and it stands in opposition to anything that contradicts God’s revealed truth. Those who desire to live uncompromisingly must hold tightly to the pure Gospel of the water and the Spirit despite societal pressures.
Conclusion
The message ends by reminding believers that the world is rapidly turning away from God, yet He has graciously revealed the true Gospel to His people. Those who have come to Jesus and received His rest must understand the times, stand firm, and remain faithful. And in doing so, believers must not change their tone or compromise the message. We must say what needs to be said according to Scripture—without twisting, adjusting, or softening the truth. The call is clear: cling to the Gospel of the water and the Spirit, refuse compromise, and boldly proclaim this life-giving Gospel to all who need salvation.
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